This project supports the development and dissemination of solar reference materials and training for building design professionals. The Trust for Conservation Innovation works closely with its partner organizations, the Building Codes Assistance Project and the Center for Sustainable Energy, to complete this project. The project targets multiple interrelated audiences in the building design field, leveraging the similarity of educational materials needed, while establishing consistency in and amplifying understanding.

Approach

The project team is developing solar-related educational materials and provide targeted training to design professionals, including architects and engineers, in 22 key metropolitan areas across the nation. The training addresses topics like basic technical information on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, policy and community benefits of enhanced PV deployment, the state of the market for PV, and the role of various market players in advancing PV deployment.

Innovation

The project is designed to give building design professionals the tools they need to incorporate solar into their blueprints and designs. When design professionals and engineers better understand how solar impacts their day-to-day work, they can support solar growth and eliminate barriers to widespread acceptance. With this training, they will be able to educate colleagues, clients, appraisers and code officials on the technical requirements and community benefits of increased solar deployment. At the conclusion of this project, the goal is to have trained 420 people through in-person curriculum and another 50 people through webinars.